All Entries Tagged With: "ABU DHABI"

The 3rd Annual Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival, Part of Adrenaline Sports Live Presented by RANI – Call for Competitors

ABU DHABI, UAE, July 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Social, corporate, school and university teams and individual competitors are being invited to register to take part in the 3rd Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival (8th – 9th October, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi), part of Adrenaline Sports Live presented by RANI (7th – 9th of October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre) the region’s festival for adrenaline-fuelled sports and holidays.

The 3rd Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival, part of Adrenaline Sports Live presented by RANI, is to take place, with the support of Siren Events and the UAE Dragon Boat Association at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. The Hotel boasts the ideal location for the Dragon Boat Festival with a one-kilometre stretch of beachfront that overlooks Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Kent Daniels, Regional Event Director for United Business Media Middle East, the organiser of Adrenaline Sports Live presented by RANI, commented on the growing popularity of the sport in the region: “Dragon boating is really taking off here, and we would urge anyone interested in taking part in this fun event to register their team as early as possible; spaces are limited and they were taken quickly in the last two years.”

Dragon boating is a thrilling water sport full of adrenaline, sportsmanship, strategy and technique. It is also a sport that is about positive team spirit, being healthy, making friends and having fun.

Levent Tekun, Director of Sales and Marketing at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to once again be the official venue sponsor for the Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival (part of Adrenaline Sports Live presented by RANI), and look forward to welcoming the teams to the Hotel for the training sessions and for the festival weekend.”

Those who register will receive two hours of dedicated training sessions at the Shangri-La Hotel with an International Dragon Boat Coach, the supply of a Dragon Boat and all equipment, festival entry and participation for up to twenty members per boat. Prizes for winners and entry to the Dragon Boat party, including a barbecue that will take place on Traders Hotel beach.

To register to take part in the 3rd Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival, part of Adrenaline Sports Live presented by RANI, please email info@sirenconsulting.com or download the registration form at http://www.adrenalinesportslive.com

GIBTM UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

GIBTM, The Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition, has unveiled a new website – www.gibtm.com <http://www.gibtm.com> – with enhanced features.

Now in its 5th year, the event has grown significantly and the website reflects this development.  Last year alone, www.gibtm.com, received over 220,000 hits.

Designed in line with the EIBTM and AIBTM websites – the new website is easy to navigate and full of exhibition and industry information ready to download.

Commenting on the new www.gibtm.com website, GIBTM’s Marketing Manager Sarah Kitley says: “The new look highlights GIBTM’s continued commitment to the meetings industry and is an important step in making all event, and trend related information available to our increased stakeholder base. The new website is easy to navigate and we are sure everyone will appreciate its look and user–friendly features.

GIBTM 2011 will take place from 28 – 30 March at the ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways predicts busy summer season

Etihad Airways is advising passengers to book their summer flights as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as the peak summer period approaches.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has seen a significant increase in bookings to several of its key destinations as customers from the Middle East book their summer travel.

Etihad Airways now offers flights to 63 global destinations across an expanded network that includes the recently launched Japanese destinations Tokyo and Nagoya, and Baghdad and Erbil in Iraq. In addition, Etihad has increased frequencies to Dublin, Manila, Kathmandu and Beirut.

Etihad will operate a total of 1,032 flights a week this summer, a 16 per cent rise on the 888 weekly flights that operated during the same season in 2009.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We expect to see extremely high demand during our summer period, especially as residents across the Middle East region travel to cooler climates in Europe.

“We encourage our passengers to book as quickly as possible to ensure their preferred destinations and travel periods are available.”

Flights to key Etihad cities which are selling fast include Cairo, Beirut, Amman, New York, Toronto, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Geneva, London and Munich.

Etihad also operates services to popular leisure destinations including Athens, Larnaca, Paris and Istanbul, and through Etihad Holidays’ World Deals program, is offering a range of high quality holiday packages to these destinations during summer.

“Many of these destinations are the home cities of UAE expatriate communities, as well as popular holiday destinations in their own right, and we therefore expect these flights will be heavily booked during the summer months,” Mr Hogan said.

Etihad also strengthened its North American network last year with the launch of flights to Chicago’s O’Hare airport, which became a daily non-stop operation on January 1, 2010. Chicago joined Etihad’s established North American routes to New York and Toronto and boosted capacity to the continent by 73 per cent.

To support its drive for a smooth summer period, Etihad has been communicating with its customers about the best ways to save time and hassle when travelling. This includes taking advantage of Etihad’s online booking and check-in facilities, where passengers can select seats up to 24 hours before travelling, and arriving at the airport in plenty of time for their flight.

“We have introduced a range of services to make travelling with Etihad better than ever this summer, and we are committed to making flying with us during the peak season as smooth and convenient as possible,” Mr Hogan said.

Customers are encouraged to visit the airline’s website for special offers and fares during the summer period, as well as accessing features to make planning their journeys even easier, including hotel bookings and insurance.

To book with Etihad Holidays, customers can call 800 23 24 or visit any of the Etihad Shops which provide a complete travel sales experience, offering holidays to key Etihad destinations as well as the full range of Etihad Airways products and services.

Etihad Airways celebrates successful first year in Athens

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today celebrated another milestone with the first anniversary of its services to Athens, as flight EY91 from Abu Dhabi touched down at Athens International Airport.

During its first year of operation to Athens, the Abu-Dhabi based airline has performed strongly, despite challenges in the market, with average seat factors of more than 70 per cent, which is expected to rise during the summer period to reach over 90 per cent.

Etihad commenced services between Abu Dhabi and Athens in June last year operating three flights per week, and as a result of its success on the route, quickly increased to five flights per week in November and to a daily service in January.

Dimitris Karagkioules, Country Manager of Etihad Airways in Greece, said: “Our first year of operations has been extremely important to us as we position ourselves for success in the Greek market. We are very pleased at the performance of our flights and the impressive passenger numbers are a strong reflection that the airline is meeting the needs of the market in Greece.

“Our daily flights connect seamlessly with many cities on Etihad’s global network, and we are pleased to help connect Athens with Greek communities throughout the world, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney.

“Our aim moving forward is to build our presence in Greece and to ensure that even more passengers travel with us and experience the award-winning product and service for which Etihad is renowned.

“I would also like to thank our partners at Athens International Airport for their tremendous support of our operations during the past 12 months.”

Etihad Airways’ goal is to provide convenient flights with strong connections to its passengers in Athens, and to strengthen the breadth and depth of its network through the implementation of codeshare agreements to respond to the growing demand of passengers who wish to travel to and from Greece through Abu Dhabi.

As an example of this, Etihad recently commenced a codeshare agreement with Olympic Air, which means Etihad Airways customers around the world are now able to fly to two of Greece’s leading holiday destinations, Rhodes and Thessaloniki, as well as Romania and Bulgaria for the first time.

Etihad also operates a codeshare service with Sri Lankan Airlines, providing passengers in Athens with connections from Abu Dhabi to Colombo and Male (Maldives).

Etihad offers a superior product and service experience to its Greek passengers and to all guests travelling to Greece. The airline has recently introduced its ‘Inspired Service’ concept in Economy class as well as in its premium classes, which seeks to provide all customers with service individually tailored to their needs.

In both cabins, Etihad offers its customers state-of-the-art, on-demand entertainment systems, allowing customers to enjoy the latest movies, TV shows, music and interactive games as well as recharge laptop computers and mobile devices.

Etihad operates two-class A320 aircraft to Athens, configured to carry 140 passengers with 20 seats in Business class and 120 in Economy class. Flight EY091 departs Abu Dhabi at 9.40am and arrives in Athens at 1.30pm. Flight EY090 departs Athens at 2.30pm and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 8.00pm.

Etihad, which began flying less than seven years ago, was awarded three titles at the recent 2010 Skytrax awards: World’s Best First Class; Best First Class Airline Seat; and Best First Class Onboard Catering. This win built upon its success at the 2009 Skytrax awards where it won the Best Business Class and Best Business Class Catering categories. It also won the title of the World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards (WTA) in November 2009, as well as six Middle East awards at the WTAs in May 2010.

ADNEC’s Capital Gate achieves Guinness record for ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower’

Abu Dhabi, 05 June 2010: CAPITAL GATE, owned and developed in Abu Dhabi,
the capital of the United Arab Emirates, by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions
Company), has been certified as the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower,’
by Guinness World Records.

CAPITAL GATE (www.capitalgate.ae <http://www.capitalgate.ae>) has been
built to lean 18 degrees westwards – more than four times that of the world
famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – and, earned the Guinness recognition after
rigorous evaluation by the Awards Committee since January 2010, when the
exterior of the 160-metre (524.9 ft), 35-storey tower was completed.

Commenting on CAPITAL GATE’s record-breaking achievement, His Excellency
Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADNEC’s Chairman said: “CAPITAL GATE
is a landmark development for Abu Dhabi and with this recognition the tower
takes its place among the world’s great buildings. It is a signature building
which speaks to the fore-sight of the emirate”.

CAPITAL GATE’s floor plates are stacked vertically up to the 12th storey
after which, they are staggered over each other by between 300mm to 1400mm
giving rise to the tower’s dramatic lean.

The tower features other innovative construction techniques including the
world’s first known use of a ‘pre-cambered’ core, which contains more than
15,000 cubic metres of concrete reinforced with 10,000 tons of steel. The
core, deliberately built slightly off centre, has straightened as the building
has risen, compressing the concrete and giving it strength, and moving
into (vertical) position as the weight of the floors has been added.

“CAPITAL GATE has been a true design-and-build project from the very start.
There have been numerous challenges, which I am pleased to say we have
surmounted thanks to a structured partnering programme and the hard work
and commitment of everyone involved. Both ADNEC and our partners have thoroughly
enjoyed the opportunity to create an iconic structure which is not only
distinctive in appearance but also extremely functional,” said His Excellency
Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Managing Director.

When fully complete by the end of this year, CAPITAL GATE will house the
5-star Hyatt Capital Gate hotel as well as approximately 20,000sqm of premium
office space.

Peter Fulton, Managing Director, Hyatt International, South West Asia commented,
“This is indeed a proud day for all of us involved with CAPITAL GATE. We
are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to showcase our hotel
in one of the Middle East’s most significant developments. Along with our
partners at ADNEC, we hope to be able to offer a unique and authentic guest
experience that will complement this iconic structure, making it the preferred
address in Abu Dhabi for the discerning traveller.”

CAPITAL GATE was designed by international architecture firm RMJM and is
adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre within ADNEC’s Capital
Centre.

“RMJM has a 40 year history of designing and delivering world class buildings
in the Middle East. The award of this world record substantiates this and
puts both CAPITAL GATE and Abu Dhabi firmly on the world stage, and at
the cutting edge of global architecture. RMJM are delighted to have been
instrumental in this pioneering achievement,” said Nick Haston, RMJM Middle
East CEO

Besides CAPITAL GATE’S gravity-defying lean and its pre-cambered core,
the tower has several other elements that enhance its reputation as one
of the world’s most distinctive projects:
· Each room is different as is each pane of façade glass and every interior
angle.
· CAPITAL GATE’s shell comprises a super-strong exo-skeleton called the
diagrid that carries all the weight of the floors while also providing
an unobstructed floor plate precluding the need for pillars or internal
beams. Other high-profile buildings that use diagrid technology include
New York’s Hearst Tower, the Swiss Re building (‘The Gherkin’) in London
and Beijing’s CCTV tower.
· CAPITAL GATE’s double-glazed façade achieves greater energy efficiency
with waste air being pre-cooled between the inner and outer façades, before
being expelled.
· The tower’s façade glass is of low emissivity and is the first time it
has been used in the UAE. It keeps the building’s interior cool and eliminates
glare, while maintaining transparency.
· The distinctive stainless steel ‘splash’ that descends from the 19th
floor, is a design element and a shading device that eliminates over 30
percent of the sun’s heat before it reaches the building. The splash also
twists around the building towards the south to shield the tower as much
as possible from direct sunlight.
· CAPITAL GATE’s 19th storey outdoor swimming pool has an unrivalled panoramic
view.
· A cantilevered tea lounge overhangs the tower’s exterior, 80m above the
ground.
· CAPITAL GATE also has an internal diagrid that has been used to create
a tapered, 60m high atrium.
· The tower’s foundation is a dense mesh of reinforced steel above 490
piles, drilled 20 – 30 meters underground.

CAPITAL GATE’s status as one of the world’s most complex engineering projects
has been further endorsed by a recent exclusive National Geographic television
documentary. The ‘Megastructures’ programme devoted to the project – ‘The
Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’ – has been translated into 44 languages and
will be broadcast in 166 countries reaching a potential audience of 200
million viewers. ‘The Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’ is due to air in the
Middle East next month.

ADNEC’s Capital Centre to feature three brand new Rotana properties

ADNEC’s Capital Centre to feature three brand new Rotana properties Abu Dhabi, 15th May 2010: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has announced that Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East and North Africa region, will add 800 hotel rooms across three new properties at the Capital Centre development which is currently under construction adjacent to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The additional room capacity will enable the many visitors who attend the packed calendar of exhibitions, conferences, events and weddings at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to choose from a range of outstanding Rotana hospitality options available a short walk from the venue.

The strategic location of Capital Centre also means that the three properties will be well positioned to take advantage of major Abu Dhabi tourism attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Raha Beach and the Corniche; they will also be located less than 15 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Mr. Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana said: “In 2011, Capital Centre will see the opening of two properties to be managed by Rotana; the Capital Centre Rotana, a 4 star 300-room hotel, and Centro Capital Centre, a 300-room budget hotel. These will be followed by the opening in 2012 of Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, which is a 4 star 200-room hotel apartment complex.

Capital Centre is home to a successful exhibition multiplex, attracting businesses, international event organisers, exhibitors and visitors from all over the world and Rotana is very pleased to be a part of this thriving destination. The three new properties under our management at Capital Centre are a great opportunity for Rotana to deepen its well-established base in Abu Dhabi, and will complement our existing operations”.

Mr. Simon Horgan, Group CEO of ADNEC said: “In less than two decades, Rotana has established an enviable reputation in the region’s hospitality industry and we are delighted to add its quality and experience to ADNEC and Capital Centre’s growing hospitality portfolio. I am delighted that due to the ongoing success of the exhibition centre, we are able to support the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s strategic targets for hotel capacity in the capital.

“The support of industry leaders such as Rotana is important in driving forward our plans to build Capital Centre’s position as the world’s first exhibition lifestyle destination,” he added.

Construction at Capital Centre Rotana and Centro Capital Centre is already underway, while the construction on Capital Centre Arjaan is expected to commence shortly. Currently, Rotana manages a portfolio of over 70 properties across 26 cities in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. The company’s strategic aim is to have a property located in every key city in the MENA region in the coming years.

ADNEC’s AED 8 billion Capital Centre development will feature 23 residential, commercial and mixed-use towers adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The exhibition centre hosted 119 events in 2009, an eight-fold increase over 2005 when 14 events took place during the year, at the previous exhibition facility.

ADNEC venues win major international awards

In yet another endorsement of its growing reputation within the global events industry, both ADNEC’s existing venues, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and ExCeL London, have won key awards at the Exhibition News Awards held at the Lancaster Hotel in the UK capital on 7^th May 2010.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre won “Best International Venue” beating competition from two Singapore venues – SUNTEC (Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre) and Singapore Expo while ADNEC-owned, ExCeL London, was awarded “Best UK Venue” beating fellow nominees Scottish Exhibition & Convention Centre and ACC Liverpool. ExCeL London also won “Best Venue Support” against Wembley Stadium and Sandown Park Racecourse.

The prestigious Exhibition News Awards conducted by Mash Media, a major publishing house for the events industry, are voted for by the exhibition industry.

Commenting on a successful evening for ADNEC, His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of ADNEC said, “We are delighted that both ADNEC and ExCeL have been recognised as the best in their markets by the Exhibition News awards.  ADNEC is committed to providing the global exhibitions and events industry with the very best facilities and support; awards such as this are both an endorsement of our strategy and recognition of the dedication of our stakeholders, partners and employees.”

ADNEC won seven major awards in 2009, while ExCeL London has now picked up twelve major accolades since ADNEC acquired it in May 2008.

SUMMER IN ABU DHABI 2010 EXPANDS WITH MORE EVENTS

Summer in Abu Dhabi – the six-week family-centric festival now in its third year – has been expanded to attract greater numbers of GCC visitors to the emirate and deliver greater benefits to its tourism sector.

The festival’s organiser Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), has brought eight venues in Abu Dhabi and the emirate’s heritage city of Al Ain under the Summer in Abu Dhabi umbrella and galvanisedstakeholders to provide 1-for-1 visitor deals during the festival period from June 24 to August 5.

“This is the biggest summer event to hit Abu Dhabi yet,” said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, ADTA. “It’s a strong pitch to families within the GCC to come and spend time in Abu Dhabi where they’ll be guaranteed fantastic value and awesome entertainment.”

The festival will see a wide array of family activities and entertainment staged at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre(ADNEC), Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, as well as Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain Mall and Bawadi Mall in Al Ain.

ADTA will be the main presenter of all of the events across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with the exception of Khalifa Parkwhere the Abu Dhabi Municipality will present the entertainment.

The ADNEC festivities will comprise two unique branded entertainment acts, which will each run for two to three weeks in the recently-inaugurated Abu Dhabi Hall – the region’s biggest entertainment venue seating 6,000 – as well as Hall 11 which will be packed with six edutainment zones with activities for every age group.

Over at the six shopping malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain there will be a packed programme over six weeks centred on family entertainment, education and togetherness. The programme included plans for indigenous cultural performances, multi-dimensional entertainment experiences, ‘live’ cooking classes, competitions and workshops. The mall festivities will be complemented by an array of special offers and promotions from retailers.

“Our aim is to attract an additional 25,000 hotel guests to the emirate during this festival period which would be a 15% increase on last year,” explained Lim. “At the same time, we want visitors to stay longer and immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi’s varied experiences. We will be taking our message out to the GCC in a dedicated regional road show later this month and meeting both the media and trade there to engage them in this campaign.”

The GCC is Abu Dhabi emirate’s second largest international market after the UK. In the first quarter of this year, some 26,685 GCC nationals stayed in hotels throughout the emirate – a 29% rise on the same period last year.

“This is arguably the emirate’s most important market on account of its proximity, ease of accessibility and general travel propensity,” said Lim. “We have a much stronger tourism proposition now in terms of infrastructure and leisure product offerings and believe the timing is right for us to market ourselves more tangibly in the region.”

ABU DHABI CAPTURES LEADING DESTINATION TITLE FROM DUBAI – World Travel Awards Unveils Who Are the Best of the Best

Abu Dhabi has walked off with the coveted title of Middle East’s Leading Destination in a shock announcement at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards on Monday 3 May at the luxurious The Address Dubai Marina.

The news means that Abu Dhabi is the first destination to seize the region’s most sought after title from Dubai. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority also scored as the region’s Leading Tourist Board. Etihad Airways saw a night of honours too, taking home a series of major awards including ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Economy Class’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Cabin Staff’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading International Marketing Campaign’

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab was also successful, presented with the ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel’ award.

Guest of Honour at the region’s most important night of the year was HH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid, who was presented with the ‘Middle East’s Leading Personality of the Year’ award.

He was joined by more than 400 senior industry figures in the travel industy, including His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Khalid Sultan Al Qassemi, Her Excellency Dr. Rajiha Bint Abdul Ameer Bin Ali, Minister of Tourism of Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Senior Vice President of Dubai Airport, Bernhard Bohnenberger, Chairman & Managing Director of Six Senses Resorts & Spas, John Bullough, CEO of Aldar Properties, Ali H. Lakhraim, President & CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Ahmed Al Mammari, Vice President of Royal Jet Group and Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways.

Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Emaar and Safar Travel & Tourism triumphed at the ceremony. Rotana, in particular, made a strong show of force, winning an impressive total of nine awards, including the highly sought-after ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand’.

Emaar took the coveted title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourism Property Development Company’; Safar Travel & Tourism was awarded with ‘Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Agency’ and ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Travel Agency’, both for the second consecutive year.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai and Qatar Airways won awards for ‘Middle East’s Leading Resort’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Business Class’ respectively.

The Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi was voted unanimously as ‘Middle East’s Leading New Hotel’. Another unanimous vote was for ‘Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award’, which went to Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

In addition to the overall Middle East winners, there were award categories too for Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Makkah, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra al-Khaimah and Sharjah.

Key winners in the regions included AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel, awarded ‘Makkah’s Leading Hotel’, Six Senses Zighy Bay, named ‘Oman’s Leading Resort’ and Regency Travel & Tours, first in the new category of ‘Qatar’s Leading Travel Agency’.

The full list of winners for the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony 2010 can be found by logging on tohttp://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2010-10

The World Travel Awards, now in its 17th year and the global travel and tourism industry equivalent of the ‘Oscars’, is helping to drive up standards of customer service and business excellence throughout the world.

“The Middle East is a shining example to the international industry, even in the challenging times that this region and destinations worldwide have been experiencing in the past two years”, said Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards.

“World Travel Awards believes that one of the key priorities in travel and tourism is making sure that companies and organisations have the right type of skills and training to underpin the industry and help create new jobs and prosperity for the region. As the Middle East industry becomes more sophisticated, these jobs are inevitably becoming complex and high value” he said. “Skilled people are the lynchpin of the Middle East’s future growth potential.

“No travel and tourism company cannot hope to be successful in these awards unless they offer unparalleled customer service”, continued Cooke.” The key objective, however, is alleviating inconsistencies of delivery.

“Too often customer service quality can fluctuate and create real challenges in maintaining a reputation for excellence – but this is clearly not the case for our winners! Without exception, they have reliably demonstrated outstanding service.

“I want to congratulate them all. Their contribution to global tourism is truly remarkable. They should be justly proud of their achievements.”

The overall winners will now compete against the crème de la crème throughout the world at World Travel Awards Grand Final which will take place in London (UK) in November, immediately before World Travel Market.

ABU DHABI RECORDS 19% INCREASE IN Q1 2010 HOTEL GUESTS

Abu Dhabi recorded a 19% increase in the number of guests staying in the emirate’s 116 hotels and hotel apartments in the first quarter of this year.

Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), based on its accommodation sector census, show 462,173 hotel guests stayed in the emirate in the first three months of the year accounting for 1,252,144 guest nights – a rise of nine per cent on the same period last year.

“We are on track to attain our year-end target of a 10% increase in hotel guests to 1.65 million,” explained Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.

Domestic tourism performed well over the period with a 25% growth to 191,949 hotel guests. Abu Dhabi’s top five overseas markets were: the UK, with 19% growth to 31,320 guests; the GCC which increased 29% to account for 26,685 guests; the USA, which accounted for 21,776 guests which was actually a drop of just one percent; India, which rose 26% to 18,463 guests and Germany, which accounted for 16,467 guests but has slipped back by 20% compared to Q1 2009.

“These results have to be judged in light ofAbu Dhabi’s growing accommodation inventory – which has gone to 17,600 rooms in the first quarter of this year, from just under 13,000 this time last year,” explained Al Muhairi.

Average occupancy rates for Abu Dhabi’s accommodation providers in Q1 this year came in at 66% - ahead of some major international tourism destinations including Madrid and Berlin, both of which rated 58% and Beijing on 54%.

The ADTA Director General emphasised Abu Dhabi’s increasing room inventory is changing the emirate’s supply and demand dynamics, ultimately making the destination more competitive.

“Hotel guest revenue for Q1 amounted to AED 1.15 billion (US $313 million) and the average length of stay was 2.7 nights. Both measures have dropped slightly on Q1 last year by 5% and 8% respectively and we will be focussing heavily on improving both,” said Al Muhairi. Increasing length of stay, even marginally, is a rapid and effective means of improving the bottom line for accommodation operators. But the good news for hotel guests, is that the destination is now more affordable than it has been for the past three years. In a value conscious tourism marketplace, affordability is critical to building demand.

“We will keep our foot on the pedal in terms of building destination awareness and appeal. In the first three months of this year the authority, ably supported by its stakeholder partners, hosted its largest ever number of inbound media familiarisation trips, some 105 organisations from 22 countries, and we will continue to build on this. Our international events portfolio expanded in Q1 to take in the inaugural, and highly successful, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

“We, again in co-operation with our stakeholders, are participating in more overseas travel fairs than ever before and we will also shortly roll out our first global advertising campaign to build key markets’ response, stimulate interest from emerging markets and cement our tourism proposition in the minds of potential travellers. In addition, we anticipate at least one more international destination joining our overseas office network by the end of the year and feasibility studies into three key candidate markets are being finalised. We are also about to announce a significant expansion to our Summer in Abu Dhabifamily festival, targeted at the GCC.

“And we believe the influential third-party endorsement received from two of the world’s leading travel guides – Lonely Planet and Frommer’s – which ranked Abu Dhabi as among the top 10 destinations to visit this year has given solid credibility to our advancing leisure proposition.”

Abu Dhabi’s hotel guests remain heavily business-oriented with an 80/20 business-to-leisure profile though ADTA believes its growing leisure offering will change this ratio.

“Over the past year we have seen many private sector initiatives create new leisure offerings. We have welcomed the Big Bus open-top-bus tours of the capital city, speedboat tours around the coastline, fishing and diving, the opening of the Kids Park Zoo as well as two championship-ready golf courses onSaadiyat and Yas islands and the expansion of an all-grass course in Al Ain into an 18-hole facility.

“We believe the existing momentum can be accelerated and are looking at ways to motivate tour operators and entrepreneurs to bring new products to market. The launch of our Horizons Abu Dhabi initiative, which provides incentives to those with viable B2C concepts is a case in point – more will follow.”

World Health Care Congress Middle East, 5-7, December 2010, Abu Dhabi

The World Health Care Congress Middle East, co-sponsored by the Health Authority and the Tourism Authority of Abu Dhabi, is the most prestigious health care, convening more than 500 global thought leaders and key decision-makers from all sectors of health care to share global best practices. The 2010 Congress will take place 5-7, December 2010, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Congress will feature the top industry influencers, including health ministers, leading government officials, hospital directors, IT innovations, pharmaceutical and medical device companies and health care industry suppliers.

World Health Care Congress Middle East will feature Executive Summits on:

• Hospital/Health Systems
• Health Care IT
• Chronic Care
• Health Technology and Interoperability
• Health care Innovation and Investment
• Emerging Health Care Business Models

Who Should Attend:

Hospital and Health System:

• C-Suite Executives including: CEO, CIO, CFO, CMO, CCO, CSO, CMIO, Chief Quality Officer
• EVP/SVP/VP/Directors: Patient Safety, Quality, Compliance, Innovation, IT, Medical Directors

Health Plan and Payer Organizations:

• C-Suite Executives including: CEO, CIO, CFO, CMO, CCO, CSO, CMIO
• EVP/SVP/VP/Directors: Member Retention, Disease Management, Provider Relations, Medical Directors

Employer Organizations and Public Purchasers:

• C-Suite Executives including: Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Human Resource Officers, Chief People Officers, Corporate Medical Directors & Employer Coalition Executives
• Heads, Vice Presidents and Directors of: Benefits, Human Resources, Compensation, Disabilities Management, Corporate Health & Wellness, Disease Management, Total Rewards and Incentives, Risk Management, Health and Welfare

Pharmaceutical/Biotech and Medical Device:

• • C-Suite Executives including: CEOs, Chief Medical Officers, Strategy, Innovation and Marketing Officers
  • EVP/SVP/VP/Directors of: Evidence-Based Medicine, Branding, Licensing, Business Development, Medication Safety and Product Managers

GIBTM DRIVING GROWTH IN THE GULF MEETINGS INDUSTRY Record numbers of Hosted Buyers and business appointments

The fourth edition of the Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) confirmed that the premier meetings event in the Gulf, attracting the largest annual gathering of meeting professionals in the region, continues to drive and shape an expanding sector.

Initial unaudited figures saw record numbers of Hosted Buyers, over 260 from 40 countries, up 10% on 2009. A total of around 7,500 meetings took place with the 220 exhibitors – up from 6,390 last year.

Commenting on the show Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Exhibition Director said: “In what has been a particularly challenging time for the industry in the last year, the event has proven there are clear, optimistic signs that meeting and event planners are recognising the enormous potential the region has to do business. One only has to see the new hotel and venue developments opening or being planned for Abu Dhabi alone.

“In what was my last year as Exhibition Director of GIBTM, before taking the reins of EIBTM, the show in is in excellent shape to grow and expand from both a regional and international exhibitors’ perspective, and attract even more regional trade visitors.”

GIBTM’s three day education programme attracted over 200 regional and international attendees. GIBTM’s Association and Education Manger said: “We were delighted with the attendance and the quality of the sessions this year at GIBTM. The content of the programme reinforces the need for professional education at the show. One of the highlights was the presentation of the fourth GIBTM Middle East Meetings Research Report 2010, which gave a valuable in-sight into the spending patterns and the mood of the market in the region. “We have already commenced the planning and development of the education programme for 2011 in partnership with ICCA, MPI and Site.”

Industry optimism from this year’s GIBTM is highlighted by some of the comments from exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

ABU DHABI TO HOST FRENCH TRAVEL AGENTS UNION CONVENTION

Abu Dhabi is readying to host the annual convention of the Paris section of the Syndicat National des Agences de Voyages (SNAV-Paris Ile de France) – National Union of French Travel Agents – which will see 180 of top French travel influencers arrive in the UAE capital next month.

The convention will be led by SNAV Paris Ile de France’s President Mrs Michele Herbaut and a delegate profile which includes 100 agency directors, the presidents of the six main travel retail agency networks and French travel trade media representatives.

“This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate, first-hand, Abu Dhabi’s expanding and highly diverse tourism proposition,” said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which is hosting the convention’s gala dinner.

The convention will be held in the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, which nestles amid the towering dunes of Abu Dhabi’s awe-inspiring LiwaDesert. Delegates will also sample other destination products including the signatureYas Hotel – the only hotel in the world to straddle an F1™ race track – the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Saadiyat Island Cultural District exhibition at Emirates Palace and a 4×4 desert safari.

News of Abu Dhabi’s selection as the convention host comes as ADTA statistics rank France 7^th in the destination’s top 10 markets for hotel guests. In the first two months of this year some 6,644 French nationals stayed in hotels throughout Abu Dhabi emirate – an 11% increase on the same period last year.

“We will be looking to show these important influencers just why two of the world’s top travel guides – Frommer’s and Lonely Planet – have recommended Abu Dhabi as a top 10 destination to visit this year,” added Ahmed Hussein. “We then hope the experience translates in further recommendations from which we can build on the improving hotel guest stays being recorded by French nationals.

ABU DHABI TO MAKE IT ‘BIG’ AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2010

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and some 77 of its industry stakeholders will jointly mount their largest pavilion at any travel fair at May’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

The Abu Dhabi pavilion will take up 1,400 square metres and will be the largest of any stand at Arabian Travel Market. It will include new-to-market exhibitors including soon-to-open hotels, new travel and tourism operators and city centre resorts.

The authority is also using the show, which runs from May 4-7 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, to roll out its new pavilion design which reflects an oasis setting which visitors can meander through while viewing artwork and experiencing Abu Dhabi heritage traditions.

“This is our biggest trade statement yet that this destination is evolving,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager, ADTA. “We have this year already welcomed a host of new attractions to Abu Dhabi and more hotels and resorts will open, the world’s biggest indoor theme park will be launched and new events will be introduced before the year is out. It is a defining year in our ambitions to increase hotel guest stays to the emirate by 10% this year to reach the 1.65 million mark.

“We will be looking to further consolidate our relationships with the important, and expanding, GCC travel trade as the region is currently our second largest overseas market after the UK and Ireland with some 17,591 GCC nationals staying in Abu Dhabi’s hotels during the first two months of this year – a 21% increase on the same period last year.”

Premier Inn forges ahead with expansion by breaking ground at ADNEC’s Capital Centre

- 242-room hotel being developed at a cost of AED 120 million will support
ADNEC’s busy programme of events –
14 April 2010, Abu Dhabi: Premier Inn, the UK’s biggest value for money
hotel brand, has begun building its first hotel in Abu Dhabi and fourth
in the United Arab Emirates, at a prime location within ADNEC’s Capital
Centre, marking further progress in the roll out of Premier Inn’s aggressive
regional expansion.
The new hotel to be ready by September 2011 will have 242 rooms, with the
cost of development reaching AED120 Million.
Darroch Crawford, Managing Director of Premier Inn Middle East said, “We
are delighted to have secured this prime plot in Capital Centre.  Capital
Centre’s excellent infrastructure and proximity to Abu Dhabi’s superb new
events facility makes it an ideal location for Premier Inn”.
Capital Centre, master-planned by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions
Company) is a micro-city of 23 mixed-use towers, including seven hotels.
The development is adjacent to the gravity-defying Capital Gate tower,
and the Gulf’s largest exhibition centre, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition
Centre, which staged over one hundred events last year.
Simon Horgan, CEO of ADNEC Group said: “ADNEC is very pleased to support
Premier Inn’s debut project in Abu Dhabi. The thriving Abu Dhabi National
Exhibition Centre is an engine for the Capital Centre development and as
the number and range of events we attract continues to expand, the need
for a balanced portfolio of on-site accommodation requirements will increase.
I am confident that ADNEC’s plans to further develop the site will ensure
that leading hospitality providers such as Premier Inn will benefit from
being located in one of the most commercially viable destinations in Abu
Dhabi.”
The new hotel in Abu Dhabi, with its 242 rooms, will offer everything that
a traveller would expect from a Premier Inn.  All rooms come with en-suite
bathrooms and are capable of comfortably accommodating a family of up to
four. The hotel will also offer a contemporary restaurant (Bedouinns),
a bar (The Retreat), and a Costa Coffee outlet. A podium sundeck will feature
a swimming pool and whirlpool spa.
Premier Inn already has three other hotels in the UAE, at Dubai Investments
Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai International Airport. With its new
property in Abu Dhabi, Premier Inn continues to buck the trend of holding
all activity until the market picks up.  Instead, the company is forging
ahead at a phenomenal pace with its aggressive regional expansion plans
continuously demonstrating their commitment to being the number one budget
hotel brand in the region.
Premier Inn aims to have hotels at prime locations across the UAE and as
the company moves forward, across the region.  “Although the current economic
climate shows a general slow-down in expansion plans for most companies,
for Premier Inn it is vital for us to continue as we have always planned
in order to take advantage of the increasing number of travellers seeking
out the best value for money hotels,” added Crawford
Fast transforming the region’s value for money hotel market, Premier Inn
provides a unique business model by offering excellent facilities with
unrivalled customer service and consistent value for money, even during
periods of high demand.
Crawford concluded, “Demand from travellers to the UAE seeking high quality
budget hotel accommodation has been growing over the last few years and
we believe we offer the best value proposition in the market without compromising
on service.”

Harry Connick Jr. to perform at ADNEC’s recently launched Abu Dhabi Hall

- Musical icon will perform at ADNEC’s Abu Dhabi Hall on May 16th during
his world tour. Tickets available at several key locations.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, April 7th, 2010 – Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company
(ADNEC) announced today the Live Performance of Musical Icon Harry Connick
Jr. in the second of a series of Live Events staged at its recently launched
Abu Dhabi Hall.

A star of music, films, and theatre, Harry Connick Jr is currently touring
Australia, Europe, and USA. He will perform at Abu Dhabi Hall, ADNEC on
May 16th. It will be the first time the three-time Grammy Award-winner
has visited the UAE.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting your amazing country for the first
time,” said Harry Connick Jr. “I know the United Arab Emirates is a country
that enjoys music and culture and I look forward to sharing my music with
you” he added.

Harry Connick Jr. who has sold 25 million records worldwide, is currently
promoting his newest album “Your Songs” which is a compilation of 14 classic
popular songs where he integrates a string orchestra and his big band,
offering a distinctive approach. The album includes some of the best known
work of contemporary song writers / singers such as Lennon-McCartney “And
I Love Her” as well as immortal classics such as “Mona Lisa”, “All the
Way” and “Bésame Mucho,” which is sung in both Spanish and English.

Harry Connick Jr. grew up in New Orleans surrounded by its rich musical
heritage and he was only 5 when he began performing. He appeared on his
first recording at age 10, and left New Orleans to try his luck in New
York at the young age of 18. Within a year he released his self-titled
major label debut for Columbia Records; however his first major success
as a musician came when director Rob Reiner asked him to contribute to
the 1989 film, When Harry Met Sally. The film’s success led to Harry’s
first multi-platinum album, an accomplishment made even more impressive
by the fact that it was also his first Big Band recording.

Connick has also built a successful film, TV and theatrical stage career.
After making his acting debut in Memphis Belle in 1990, he has also appeared
opposite three Oscar winning actresses in Hope Floats (Sandra Bullock),
P.S. I Love You (Hilary Swank), and his latest film project New In Town
(Renee Zellweger.)  As a television performer, Connick has starred in holiday
specials built around his best selling holiday albums as well as Harry
Connick, Jr.: Only You In Concert for which he won a 2004 Emmy. In addition,
he starred opposite Glenn Close in the TV adaptation of the musical South
Pacific. Connick made his Broadway theatrical stage debut in the 2006 revival
of The Pajama Game as Sid Sorokin to sold-out audiences, rave reviews,
and nominations for Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League
awards for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.  The Pajama
Game received the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

Commenting on the event, Christina Anthony, Special Projects Director of
ADNEC said, ”We are delighted to have somebody of the musical stature
of Harry Connick Jr. performing at Abu Dhabi Hall. This is a remarkable
beginning for a series of Live Events which will take place at ADNEC. Harry
has been very successful since the beginning of his career and this new
album is set to be an additional triumph.”

The show will be held in partnership with ADTA, AEG, The Coast as the official
radio station, The National as the official newspaper and Synaxis Media
as the official digital partner.

Harry Connick Jr. will be an all-seated concert. Doors open at 6:30 pm
and the show will begin at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices begin at AED 395, AED
495, AED 549 and AED 595 and will be sold at Boxofficeme.com, Timeouttickets.com,
Ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores. For more information on the
event, please visit  www.adnec.ae/harryconnickjr

John Rogers Appointed General Manager of Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

John Rogers has joined Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, recognized by Conde Nast Traveller in the magazine’s Gold List 2010, as General Manager. He will work closely with Didier Tourneboeuf who will assume overall responsibility for all Anantara’s Middle Eastern properties.

GIBTM 2010: REGION SET FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS GROWTH

The Gulf Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition’s – GIBTM – Fourth Middle East Meetings Industry Report presented today (Tuesday 30 March) provided valuable insights into the developing meetings industry across the Gulf and wider Middle East region. The report predicts significant growth potential, with increased numbers of events using a wider range of destinations.

Report at-a-glance summary

Buyers

· 458 buyer respondents from 57 countries – highest number of respondents since survey began in 2007

· 58% held events in the Gulf/ME over the last 12 months –primarily incentive travel and meetings

· Mean number of events in region per buyer respondent is 4.6 (down from 5.7 last year but up from 4 in 2008)

· Mean number of delegates 204 (up from 154 last year and 143 the year before)

· Mean budgets for events in ME US$495,400 (down slightly from US$505,000)

· 26 different destinations used throughout the region remain dominated by Dubai. Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Jordan, Qatar and Oman all attracting significant numbers of events

· 35% said budgets for events in the region in 2010 have increased – 47% said they have stayed the same

· 50% of buyers predict they will organise more events in 2010 – 35% said they will organise the same amount

· 55% anticipate selecting new destinations this year

· Abu Dhabi predicted to increase number of events held this year

· Cost is the most important influencing factor when placing events.


Suppliers

· Experienced lower levels of events business in the region in 2009

· Average percentage of business in the region was 12% (down from 28% last year).

· Mean value of suppliers business in the region was US$966,000 (down from US$1,030,250).

· 55% predicting increased number of events in 2010.

· 87% looking to develop more business in the region.

· 58% think the region has the most growth potential in the world.

View from buyers

The 2010 report produced responses from 458 buyers from 57 countries.

58% of respondents had held events in the region over the last twelve months with 25% having organised more events than in the previous year; the most frequently organised type of event being incentive travel and meetings.

Events had been held in 26 different destinations with the most popular being Dubai, Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Jordan, Qatar and Oman. Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia had slipped down the chart since last year.

Those destinations where buyers expected to hold events in the next year were headed by Dubai followed by Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Morocco, Oman and Jordan.   For the first time, there is a higher percentage holding events in Abu Dhabi as well as Algeria being considered to host events.

The mean expenditure for events in the region reduced slightly to US$495,400 from US$505,000 in 2009. The mean budget for events worldwide was US$2,300,000, clearly influenced by the 15% who manage budgets of over US$3,000,000.

35% had seen budgets for the region increase, with 47% saying they have remained as last year and 18% seeing a decrease.  The research highlighted that 56% expected the number of events to increase in the next twelve months with incentives and corporate conferences likely to benefit.

43% expected the duration of events to increase, whilst 43% expected them to remain the same.

In terms of influencing factors when placing an event, buyers put cost top of their list, followed by quality of accommodation and service, overall appeal of the destination, travel time and security. Quality of facilities has reduced from three in the table last year to eighth.

Overall buyers are looking to the coming year with optimism with 50% believing they will organise more events. Budgets will remain under pressure and with more destinations being considered for events, Dubai’s dominance is likely to be challenged.

The key trends influencing whether events will be organised is headed up by the economic climate and pressure to reduce costs and development progress in the region.  Green and environmental issues, which were making headlines in recent years, are no longer a major concern.

View from suppliers

Responses were gathered from 72 suppliers with the largest proportion from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Suppliers have experienced lower levels of business in the region during 2009. 15% reported that all their business took place in the Gulf/Middle East whilst the remaining 85% saw an average percentage of 12% of business reduced from 28% in the previous year.

Most clients came from the pharmaceutical, medical and financial services sectors, with less this year from construction and engineering.

The mean value of business in the region was US$966,000, down from US$1,030,350 last year, though 8% reported that the value of their business was over US$10,000,000.

The mean number of events experienced is eight with the mean duration 2.6 days – down from 3.1. Typical size was 150 delegates, down from 188.

Topping the table of influencing factors to hold events were location, cost, quality of accommodation and meeting facilities. 87% are looking to develop more business in the region with the focus on the following top destinations – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

Overall, suppliers are looking to 2010 with increased confidence, predicting increased volume of events.  The four key issues mentioned for increasing business were increased awareness of the region, value for money, improving infrastructure and security assurance.

Despite concerns over budgets, 58% of suppliers believe that the region has the most growth potential as compared to anywhere else in the world. China, Europe, India, Asia and Russia are considered other areas for growth.

Sally Greenhill, Managing Director, The Right Solution Limited who compiled and independently analysed the report concluded: “We have had a very positive response to the survey with 458 buyer respondents contributing this year, the largest number since the survey began. Clearly 2009 saw a downturn in the region, however it was lower than that experienced in Europe and elsewhere. According to the predictions made by buyers, this year will see the region bounce back with increased numbers of events using a wider range of destinations. Overall, suppliers predict that the region has significant growth potential.”

Research for the report was undertaken by GIBTM, in conjunction with meetme during January and February 2010.  The full report can be found at www.gibtm.com <http://www.gibtm.com> .

Al Nasser Holdings, The National Investor (TNI) to relocate corporate headquarters to Capital Centre

March 2010: In a move that strengthens Capital Centre’s credentials as one of Abu Dhabi’s most significant economic development projects, ADNEC, master-planner of the AED 8 billion (Capital Centre) development, has revealed that Al Nasser Holdings and The National Investor (TNI) are among several leading corporate sector titans who are relocating their corporate headquarters to towers the companies are constructing at Capital Centre.

GIBTM 2010 First To Feature Latest iPhone Technology In Gulf Region

Info Salons Group, the event technology, database and registration specialists, and also strategic partner for GIBTM, will provide visitors to GIBTM 2010 (29th – 31st March 2010, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi) with the latest technology – a new application called iEvent which gives delegates, visitors and exhibitors the ability to access event schedule details, exhibitor information and the exhibition floorplan before, during and after the event, from any Apple iPhone® or iPod touch®.

GIBTM has chosen to make Info Salons’ iEvent application available to attendees. Enabling them to communicate with the industry not only during the show but also throughout the year, it is also a perfect “green” solution, keeping all event information stored electronically.

“When the iPhone was launched, we realised there was great potential to create an application for it that could place event information at the fingertips of attendees,” says Jo-Anne Kelleway, CEO, Info Salons Group.
“Info Salons then built iEvent, an extraordinarily interactive event portal that allows visitors and exhibitors to maximize their time during an event and make the most of their return on investment. In addition to the green initiative and the navigational and planning benefits, the advantage of the GIBTM iPhone app is that it offers the opportunity to keep communicating with attendees 365 days a year.”

Tools on iEvent include:

My Schedule: allows attendees to flag their favourite sessions and exhibitors, and keep them all in a handy listing for reference.
Maps & Exhibitors: displays the stand number, contact details and description along with a full floorplan.
Events & Speakers: lists session and speaker details, including locations
Social media: integrates seamlessly with Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites to make sure that every event gets comprehensive viral marketing coverage through the social web.

Some of these iPhone application features will be available to all participants including Hosted Buyers, visitors and exhibitors at GIBTM, this application will be available to download to any Apple iPhone® or iPod touch®. Simply search ‘GIBTM’ in the Apple application store and download it for free today.

Anantara Announces Management of Luxury Lodges on Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas announced that it will manage two new luxury lodges on Sir Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi. Due to open in late 2010, both resort lodges will offer unique experiences that capitalise on the impressively diverse beach and wildlife blend of Sir Bani Yas Island.  The dual launch further serves to fill a niche market on the island, answering to the luxury needs of travellers seeking a more exclusive, intimate style of island living.

Red Bull Air Race World Championship 2010 takes off in Abu Dhabi

World’s fastest growing motorsport with 8 races on 5 continents heads to new locations in 6th season

- ABU DHABI – The 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship takes off in Abu Dhabi on March 26/27 and then circles the globe with eight races on a record five continents this year with a highlight-packed calendar that includes new locations in New York City and Lisbon along with eagerly awaited returns to Rio de Janeiro and Germany. Britain’s Paul Bonhomme will be looking to defend his championship in an even faster field of 15 pilots from 13 nations after a thrilling battle last year against Austria’s Hannes Arch watched by millions.

Abu Dhabi will host the season opener of the high-speed, low-altitude championship for the sixth straight year. Bonhomme, who won the 2008 race over the turquoise waters in the United Arab Emirates’ capital, and Arch, who won there last year, are the favourites. But the other 13 teams worked hard in the off-season and will be looking to de-throne Bonhomme as well.

The second stop just three weeks later is in Perth, Australia on April 17/18, where an enormous crowd is expected for Matt Hall. The former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot finished an astonishing third overall last year in his rookie season. The third race is in Rio de Janeiro on May 8/9. The first race in Rio in 2007 was the biggest single sporting event in Brazil’s history with 1 million spectators, a record that could be surpassed this year with a Brazilian pilot entering the championship for the first time. Adilson Kindlemann is one of two rookies this season.

The championship then shifts to North America for a race in Windsor, Canada on the Detroit River on June 5/6 before moving east to New York City, where the pilots will battle it out in front of Manhattan’s spectacular skyline on June 19/20. The race then moves across the Atlantic to Europe with three stops. Germany will host a race at the EuroSpeedway track in Lausitz near Berlin on July 7/8, the only race in 2010 that won’t be flown over water and where spectators will be able to watch all the action from permanent grandstand seating. Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic, this year’s other rookie, is counting on thousands of fans from the nearby Czech Republic to cheer him on. The championship returns to Budapest, Hungary for a seventh straight year on August 19/20 and concludes in Lisbon, Portugal for the season finale on September 4/5.

“It’s going to be a fantastic season with eight races on five continents,” said Red Bull Air Race CEO Bernd Loidl. “We’ll be returning to many of the traditional locations where we’ve had such classic races in the past such as Abu Dhabi, Perth, Rio, Windsor and Budapest as well as racing in some spectacular new places like New York, the EuroSpeedway track in Germany and Lisbon.  Staging a race in New York City is a dream come true.”

The 2009 battle was the most exciting ever with Bonhomme coming from behind to just beat Arch with a victory in the season finale in Barcelona in front of 800,000 spectators. “I’m really looking forward to the this year,” said Bonhomme, who has won more races than anyone (11) but finished a close second in 2007 and 2008. “We’ve worked hard on improving the engine and hopefully we’ll have even more power.”

Arch, the first European to win the title, put up a gallant fight against Bonhomme last year to defend his championship to the delight of millions of fans who followed the race on television broadcasts around the world. The Bonhomme v Arch battle is set to continue with the Austrian determined to win back the title. “The pressure will be on Bonhomme this time around,” Arch said.

Other pilots who are expected to make life difficult for Bonhomme and Arch will include Americans Kirby Chambliss, the 2006 champion, and Michael Goulian, who won his first race last year with a thrilling victory in front of 650,000 spectators in Budapest. France’s Nicolas Ivanoff, who was fourth last year, and Britain’s Nigel Lamb (fifth in 2010) along with Hungary’s Peter Besenyei and Germany’s Matthias Dolderer, a rookie last year who came third in the final race in Barcelona, also figure to be in the hunt for victories and championship points. Sergey Rakhmanin of Russia, Alejandro Maclean of Spain, Yoshi Muroya of Japan and Canada’s Pete McLeod have also worked hard in the off-season to improve their teams’ performance.

In 2009, 3.5 million spectators attended the races and 270 million followed on television broadcasts around the globe. In the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, the world’s 15 best race pilots fly close to the ground at speeds reaching 370 km/hr (230 mph), while enduring forces of up to 12 Gs as they navigate unique and demanding race tracks made up of 20 metre high inflatable air gates.

ICCA and MPI join forces with GIBTM for Market Knowledge Exchange

Leading meetings industry associations ICCA and MPI have joined forces with GIBTM for “Meetings Reality & Potential in the Gulf Region – The Market Knowledge Exchange”.

Taking place between 14.00 and 17.30 on Sunday, 28 March at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, the interactive session launches Gulf Meetings Week and is open to all.

Key topics for discussion and debate include the ‘mood of the market’; challenges and opportunities; occupancy rates and pricing; training and how the region can attract more association events, corporate conferences and incentives.

Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA said: “This session offers meetings industry professionals a rare chance to share inside knowledge, the latest frontline market intelligence, and their individual viewpoints on where future business is going to come from.

“The Gulf region has been so dynamic and difficult to read over the last couple of years, with extensive supply-side developments still coming on stream despite the global economic turmoil, ambitious strategic planning by the region’s rulers, and extremes of market segment volatility and unpredictable client behaviour – hopefully after this frank exchange of views, we’ll all be that little bit clearer about what’s going on and what practical steps can be taken to win more meetings business.”

Erica Keogan, GIBTM’s Education Content Manager, comments: “This initiative is an opportunity for the industry to meet and discuss how the Gulf meetings sector will develop in the future. We want to encourage attendance from all levels of the industry from those starting out to senior management; from travel agents and those representing destinations to technology and event companies. All have a role to play in the development of a sector that has enormous potential for growth.”

Didier Scaillet, Chief Development Officer, MPI adds: “The GCC countries continue to establish themselves as a new centre of gravity for the global meetings industry, with a unique location at the crossroads of East and West, a remarkable infrastructure and world-class airlines.”

“This past year has seen many changes in the demand for meetings and events, linked to this unprecedented global recession. We are very pleased to work in partnership with GIBTM and ICCA to stage this conference, designed to make meeting and event professionals successful in attracting additional business and developing their skills and competencies.”

ADNEC forges ahead with recruitment drive aimed at attracting UAE national talent

Abu Dhabi, March 20th 2010: Following the company’s successful participation at the Tawdheef 2010 employment fair last month, ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) is taking part in a series of recruitment events in the coming weeks aimed at highlighting the range of career opportunities offered at ADNEC to UAE nationals.

ABU DHABI MARKS MIDDLE EAST’S VOLVO OCEAN RACE DEBUT

An agreement signed in the United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi,  will see the Arabian Gulf’s emerging marine leisure hub become a host port for the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race. A racing team from Abu Dhabi will also take its place on the race start line in Alicante, Spain, in autumn next year.

“This event will take Abu Dhabi’s marine leisure proposition to the world and will enable us to demonstrate, first hand, ourpowerful credentials to a highly influential professional yachting audience,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the agreement’s co-signatory.

“Via the expansive international media coverage the race enjoys, Abu Dhabi’s name will ride high on another world-class

sporting wave,” he added.

The agreement, signed between His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, ADTA’s Director General and Knut Frostad, Volvo Ocean Race CEO, takes Abu Dhabi into global yachting history as the first Middle East port to host the event since its 1973 inception. The race crews will arrive in the UAE capital in January 2012.

“We found in Abu Dhabi an incredible synergy,” said Frostad. “This destination has a long maritime history which it wishes to elevate to a new era while celebrating the achievements of the past. There was a willingness to meet our requirements, an understanding of the participants’ needs and an enthusiasm which simply stood out ahead of others.”

Team Abu Dhabi, a crew specially selected  by ADTA will tackle the ‘Everest of Sailing’, in a newly designed boat, which will be built in the UAE capital by the Abu Dhabi Mar Group.

“It is our ambition to include a UAE national in the crew who will be our ocean ambassador representing the emirate’s long seafaring heritage,” said Al Muhairi. “The locally-constructed boat will also signal our potential as a new build and repair port, which will recall the heady days when vessels made on these shores set sail for months of pearling expeditions and proved to be among the sturdiest afloat.”

The new marina being built at Emirates Palace - the emirate’s signature hotel and among the world’s most opulent – will be the focal point of the host port.

Al Muhairi said Abu Dhabi, its fellow emirates and the wider Gulf is expected to get fully behind the event and to welcome the Volvo Ocean Race fleet to the region when the crews arrive in Abu Dhabi at the finish of leg two from Cape Town, South Africa.

“The Volvo Ocean Race is known for extreme levels of endurance and expertise – values which are synonymous with our own,” added Al Muhairi. “I believe theentire region will follow the teams’ progress and produce a welcome which will be truly deserving of the legendary Arabian hospitality.”

The Volvo Ocean Race traces its origins back to 1973 and is the world’s premier offshore sailing race. The Volvo Open 70 racing boat is sailed by professional athletes, who race around the world with the prevailing winds.The remaining host ports will be revealed throughout March.

GIBTM – TEN REASONS TO ATTEND

GIBTM – the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings exhibition opens at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi on March 29th.  With over 250 exhibitors and a significant number of international and regional Hosted Buyers already confirmed to attend, the focus this year will be on a unique insight into this key business sector.  Take this exclusive opportunity to find the products and destinations that will make your next event really memorable for your clients – there is still time to register as a visitor at www.gibtm.com.

“If you are in the business of organising meetings and events, if you come from an agency or an in-house team, or if business travel is your remit, GIBTM will give you unlimited solutions and inspiration – all at a time when the Gulf is fast becoming one of the best and most cost effective to put your ideas into practice” says Graeme Barnett, Event Director, GIBTM.

There are 10 Top Reasons to be at GIBTM – don’t miss out.

1.  It’s the only event of its kind in the region for the MICE industry – GIBTM is all about business opportunities and now in its 4th year, is a catalyst for the region to meet with international planners and buyers. As the pivot of a week that brings together a full programme of activities, GIBTM is totally focused on enhancing the potential of this lucrative global economic provider.

2.   Learn from the professionals: international speakers bringing new ideas, discussing case studies and providing inspiration to event and meeting planners – GIBTM is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Travel and Tourism Agencies Committee (ATTAC) and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority to bring specific education crating a huge advantage to international and regional visitors looking for the right solutions, facilities, venues and locations for their events. Featuring seminars and workshops presented by international professionals who will give practical advice for meetings industry professionals at all levels of experience, those who visit GIBTM will obtain the knowledge they need to organise and plan their next meeting, conference, incentive or event

3.   Be the first to hear the annual Gulf Meetings Industry Research Survey results – The third Gulf region industry research survey clearly demonstrates what regional and international buyers and planners are looking for on behalf of their clients, and provides knowledge, ideas, information and a business solution based on both local and global expertise

4.   If you have proven budgets and you specialise in this sector you could even apply to be a Hosted Buyer – Hosted Buyers receive many exclusive benefits such as return economy flights on Etihad Airways, free accommodation in a 4/5 star property, airport ‘Meet and Assist’ service on arrival, complimentary coach transfers throughout their stay, buyer-driven appointment systems and pre and post event tour options, including the ADTA sponsored ‘Abu Dhabi Day’. The appointment system is subject the buyers choice; each 20 minute appointment is arranged and organised in advance from a list of exhibitors that the Hosted Buyer selects.

5.   If your job title is a Sales Manager, PR Director, Marketing Manager, Event Director, Meeting Planner, Conference Organiser then you must attend – GIBTM attracts local, regional and international venues, hotels, destinations, meeting facilities and suppliers, together with international and regional buyers, providing three days of real inspiration.

6.  Visitors benefit from travel and accommodation special rates – more than 16 official GIBTM hotels are offering 4/5 star accommodation. For more information log onto www.gibtm.com/travel

7.   Entry to the exclusive GIBTM networking event at Yas Island is free – your opportunity to see the F1 Yas Marina Circuit ahead of this year’s Grand Prix Final!

8.   Complimentary Shuttle services – The shuttle bus service is complimentary for all GIBTM participants, including visitors, exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. These operate between ADNEC, the airport, the City centre and the official hotels on a frequent basis

9.   GIBTM is FREE to attend – all you have to do is go online and register in advance at www.gibtm.com/register

10.    You only get one chance – don’t let your business miss this opportunity!

The Vision Destination Management – new partners for ATM and GIBTM

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, The Vision Destination Management is set to become a preferred partner in the Region with the announcement that it has been selected as Ground Handler for the up-coming Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) in Abu Dhabi from 29th – 31st March 2010 and for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai from 04th- 7th May 2010.  This partnership will assist Reed Travel Exhibitions in providing a superior service for its international attendees.

ABU DHABI LAYS OUT INCENTIVES TO TAP CORPORATE MEETINGS SEGMENT IN GCC

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has launched a regional variant of its original Advantage Abu Dhabi initiative, with a slew of perks and privileges tailored specifically to incentivise GCC businesses and meeting planners to stage their corporate meetings in theUAE capital.

The latest ‘neighbourhood’ variant of Advantage Abu Dhabi offers a variety of market-leading incentives corporations and meeting planners providing their events meet set criteria which specify they must be staged over the coming year and be attended by a minimum of 25 delegates staying a minimum of two nights.

“The meetings industry is potentially a significant growth driver for our tourism sector. Apart from the tangible business returns, it can deliver additional destination benefits, including familiarising audiences to Abu Dhabi’s expanding range of world-class facilities and attractions and generating future return visits,” said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, ADTA.

“The timing of this new seeding initiative is in line with our aim of achieving a 10% rise in hotel guest occupancy throughout Abu Dhabi this year – a target of 1.65 million guests – for which the performance of the business tourism sector will be critical as it accounts for about 80% of the emirate’s hotel occupancy.”

Incentives offered under the year-long programme include: a complimentary one-day meetings package to include meeting rooms, morning and afternoon tea breaks and basic audio-visual facilities; complimentary flight upgrades; a bonus Abu Dhabi city sight-seeing tour or complimentary dinner in selected   restaurants. Additionally, organisers and delegates travelling with Etihad Airways with receive double mileage under the award-winning airline’s Etihad Guest loyalty programme and instant Etihad Guest membership.

“Meetings organisers qualifying for incentives can select the one most suitable to fulfil their needs of staging affordable and productive events,” added Lim.

With seven new hotels coming on line in Abu Dhabi within the past six months and another 10 due to open in the emirate this year, the destination now boasts a wider-than-ever, state-of-the-art inventory of meetings facilities and a hotel room stock of 17,500, which is due to expand by a further 5,000 this year.

The Vision Destination Management appointed official ground handler for GIBTM Abu Dhabi and ATM Dubai

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, The Vision Destination Management is set to become a preferred partner in the region.

The Vision Destination Management appointed official ground handler for GIBTM Abu Dhabi and ATM Dubai.
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, The Vision Destination Management is set to become a preferred partner in the region.

Launched under the ownership of Mr. Ali Abu Monassar, we are delighted to announce that The Vision Destination Management is run by a team of highly experienced professionals who have already worked as a team before in being instrumental to the local tourism Industry.
The Vision Destination Management offers the full range of Leisure and MICE Incoming Services in a personalized and competent way with a customer focused approach. In addition it offers representation and consultancy services within the Hospitality Industry in cooperation with accredited organizations.
“We strive to deliver quality services and fulfill our Partners needs on a timely basis with a pro-active approach.Technology is a fundamental factor of our development, in fact, The Vision is due to launch its B2B multi-language online system and will add a B2C Platform within the end of 2010.” said Mr. Ali Abu Monassar, Chairman of The Vision Destination Management. The Vision Destination Management is immensely proud to announce that it has been selected as Ground Handler for the up-coming Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) in Abu Dhabi from 29th -31th March 2010 and for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai from 04th- 7th May ’10 to assist Reed Exhibitions in providing superior service for its international attendees.
With offices in Dubai and Oman and shortly in Abu Dhabi, The Vision’s team looks forward to speak to its friends and industry partners during the upcoming exhibitions ITB – Berlin, GIBTM – Abu Dhabi and ATM – Dubai.

MPI AND ICCA JOIN FORCES WITH GIBTM FOR MARKET KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

‘Meetings Reality and Potential in the Gulf Region’ launches Gulf Meetings Week

Leading meetings industry associations MPI and ICCA have joined forces with GIBTM for “Meetings Reality & Potential in the Gulf Region – The Market Knowledge Exchange”.

Taking place between 14.00 and 17.30 on Sunday, 28 March at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, the interactive session launches Gulf Meetings Week and is open to all.

Key topics for discussion and debate include the ‘mood of the market’; challenges and opportunities; occupancy rates and pricing; training and how the region can attract more association events, corporate conferences and incentives.

Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA said: “This session offers meetings industry professionals a rare chance to share inside knowledge, the latest frontline market intelligence, and their individual viewpoints on where future business is going to come from.

“The Gulf region has been so dynamic and difficult to read over the last couple of years, with extensive supply-side developments still coming on stream despite the global economic turmoil, ambitious strategic planning by the region’s rulers, and extremes of market segment volatility and unpredictable client behaviour – hopefully after this frank exchange of views, we’ll all be that little bit clearer about what’s going on and what practical steps can be taken to win more meetings business.”

Erica Keogan, GIBTM’s Education Content Manager, comments: “This initiative is an opportunity for the industry to meet and discuss how the Gulf meetings sector will develop in the future. We want to encourage attendance from all levels of the industry from those starting out to senior management; from travel agents and those representing destinations to technology and event companies. All have a role to play in the development of a sector that has enormous potential for growth.”

Didier Scaillet, Chief Development Officer, MPI adds: “The GCC countries continue to establish themselves as a new centre of gravity for the global meetings industry, with a unique location at the crossroads of East and West, a remarkable infrastructure and world-class airlines. This past year has seen many changes in the demand for meetings and events, linked to this unprecedented global recession. We are very pleased to work in partnership with GIBTM and ICCA to stage this conference, designed to make meeting and event professionals successful in attracting additional business and developing their skills and competencies.”

For further information please contact Erica Keogan: erica.keogan@reedexpo.co.uk

Full information of all professional education sessions at GIBTM, sponsored by The Vision, log onto www.gibtm.com.

Visit London to attend GIBTM for second year

Visit London’s business team have announced that they are once again to participate in exhibition trade show The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) in Abu Dhabi which takes place 29- 31 March 2010.

GIBTM is the dedicated international event for the business travel and meetings industry (otherwise known as MICE) in the Gulf and Middle East region. The event attracts the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf region.

As well as supporting the event Visit London will also be hosting their own stand at the three-day event (stand #J127) which will be hosted by Zanine Adams Head of Event Solutions & UK Sales at Visit London.

Commenting on Visit London’s participation, Zanine Adams, Head of Event Solutions and UK Sales said: “This is the second time that Visit London has attended GIBTM and we’re extremely excited about continuing to understand the market. Last year was so successful and we hope to build on that momentum and gain further industry contacts and strengthen relationships we made this time last year. The Middle East market has always been very important for London and right now, we want to understand how we can grow the commercial opportunities available. Investment, tourism and the friends and family market have been strong for a number of years. We do want to understand better the outbound business groups market better though.”

She added ” For GIBTM 2010 our key message is the new content that London has to offer – major business benefits such as ExCeL phase two opening and the wealth of new hotels such as Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, The Jumeirah Hotel at Beetham Tower in Blackfriars and the eagerly anticipated Shard of Glass with the new Shangri – La. We will also be sharing information of London’s luxury Michelin starred restaurants and shopping venues such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, whilst highlighting the major business objectives and hospitality offerings for London both pre and post 2012 Olympics.”

UAE CAPITAL’S HOSPITALITY ‘OSCAR’ WINNERS AWARDED

Abu Dhabi’s expanding constellation of hospitality ‘stars’ have been feted in style in the glittering surroundings of the Gourmet Abu Dhabi Gala Dinner.

The event at Al Raha Beach Hotel, was attended by more than 350 hospitality industry personalities and food connoisseurs who gathered four days before the curtain comes down on the 15-day culinary festival to recognise the event’s star-studded cast, hosting establishments and local industry elite.

And the gathering heard that this year’s Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Awards – which had been expanded to 11 to take in a new ‘Pastry Chef Of The Year’ honour – has pulled almost 50% more votes that last year’s inaugural edition with 30% of the polling coming from outside the UAE. Votes were cast by people in 32 countries including destinations as widespread asNorway, Venezuela and Trinidad & Tobago.

The keenly competitive Abu Dhabi Gourmet Stars Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the local hospitality industry – were presented by His Highness SheikhSultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority(ADTA), which is presenting the culinary extravaganza. The awards recognised the culinary prowess of the UAE capital’s hospitality sector and were subject to public voting and final adjudication by an expert panel including: Jeremy Weeks, Membre due Conseil Magistral of the Association Mondiale De Las Gastronomie; Noel Massoud, Chief Executive Officer, Jinan Hotels & Resorts; Patrick Willis, Chief Operating Officer of the Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation and Susanne Drexler, Director of Germany’s Gourmet Connection.

“This really was a difficult task for the judges with voting being extremely close in most categories,” said Dayne Lim of Gourmet Abu Dhabi organising committee. “What was particularly noticeable this year is the amount of nominations – up by around 40% on last year, which reflects the growth inAbu Dhabi’s fine dining stock.”

And the winners were: Executive Chef Of The Year: Gary Robinson, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi; Food & Beverage Manager Of The Year: Ahmed Issa, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi; Pastry Chef Of The Year: Avril Dsylva, Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi; Regional Cuisine Chef Of The Year: Hassan Assaf, Al Mawal, Hilton Abu Dhabi; Regional Cuisine Manager Of The Year: Prasad S, India Palace; Regional Cuisine Restaurant Of The Year: Diwan L’Auberge, Emirates Palace; Restaurant Chef Of The Year: Jean Hurstel, Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi; Restaurant Host Of The Year: Marie Irene, Ushna; Restaurant Manager Of The Year: Thaer Hanna, Finz, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi; Restaurant Of The Year: Sayad, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi.

SinoGulf’s towers at ADNEC’s Capital Centre move into high gear

Unique sand dune-themed commercial & residential towers are key elements of exhibition & lifestyle micro-city

GIBTM ATTRACTS TOP DESTINATIONS AND HOTELS

Visit London, India, Netherlands, Rotana, Yas Hotels, Tourism Ireland choose GIBTM to deliver business

With less than two months before the opening of the fourth GIBTM (www.gibtm.com <http://www.gibtm.com> ) in Abu Dhabi on 29 March, the event has recently confirmed the participation of some of the world’s most important destinations and venues.

Recent signings to GIBTM, which is set to attract the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf in 2010, include Visit London, Dragonfly Africa, Beijing Tourism Administration, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, Turkey, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, Yas Hotels and Tourism Ireland.

Both Jumeirah and Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority have increased their stand space from 2009.

Commenting on Visit London’s participation, Zanine Adams, Head of Event Solutions and UK sales said: “This is the second time that Visit London has attended GIBTM and we’re extremely excited about continuing to understand the market. Last year was so successful and we hope to build on that momentum and gain further industry contacts and strengthen relationships we made this time last year.

“For GIBTM 2010 our key message for GIBTM is the new content that London has to offer – major business benefits such as ExCeL phase two opening and the wealth of new hotels such as Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, The Jumeirah Hotel at Beetham Tower in Blackfriars and the eagerly anticipated Shard of Glass with the new Shangri – La. We will also be sharing information of London’s luxury Michelin starred restaurants and shopping venues such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, whilst highlighting the major business objectives and hospitality offerings for London both pre and post 2012 Olympics.”

Eric Bakermans, Marketing Manager Meetings & Conventions, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, comments:  “In our business, it’s not about quick wins. It’s about gaining trust, especially in this part of the world.  When we first exhibited at GIBTM, we knew this was not going to be just for one year.”

As first timers to the event, Robin Mcleod, Dragonfly Hotels said: ‘We at Dragonfly have heard good reports about the quality of Hosted Buyers at GIBTM, buyers that would not necessarily attend other shows. This show forms part of our global marketing plan to investigate new emerging markets.”

Following successful attendance at last year’s GIBTM, exhibitors who have chosen to return and take advantage of the unrivalled business opportunities include Shangri-la, the Seoul Tourism Organisation, Aldar, Bedouk Meetings & Events Media, Meet Taiwan, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Cape Town International Convention Center, Costa del Sol Convention Bureau, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Czech Tourist Authority – Czech Tourism, ICCA, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, MPI, Silversea Cruises, Site, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Toerisme Vlaanderen, Ungerboeck Systems International, Egyptian Tourist Authority, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, Etihad Airways, Government of Dubai, Oman Ministry of Tourism, IHG.

Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Exhibition Director comments: “Over the past three years GIBTM has established itself as the pivot of the MICE industry in the Region as exhibitors are continuing to recognise the importance GIBTM plays in maintaining, developing and attracting regional and international business. This year’s exhibitor list is a testament to the event’s growing influence and reputation.”

Abu Dhabi Double’s BIT Pavilion

Abu Dhabi will double the size of destination pavilion at this month’s BIT tourism fair in Milan as Italy enters the emirate’s top 10 markets for hotel guests.

GIBTM 2010 APPOINTS THE VISION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT AS OFFICIAL GROUND HANDLER

Experienced and focused team to contribute to Gulf’s leading MICE event in Abu Dhabi